MT in Mid Oct

D

Deansie

Steelhead
Hi All…been a couple of years since I’ve been on here so apologize coming back asking for resources or a POV.

Heading to Rock Creek area (closer to Phillipsburg) in mid Oct. Have some guided and personal time on Rick Creek planned but looking for a day or two guided fishing elsewhere. Have a vehicle and willing to drive. Definitely want a float and that time of year would love to throw streamers all day but open to dry flies or nymphing. If the weather sucks, we’re with that.

So, if you had the opportunity for a day or two to get out with a guide, where would you go? Right now thinking the Missouri but open to ideas and guide recommendations.
 
A 2 odd hr drive from rock creek. Around Craig on the Missour. Lkely short leash with tiny sow bugs most likely if a Holter dam/wolf creek to Craig float. A lot of the better guides I think wrap up around then though but good fishing. I’ve gone the first week of October last 2 yrs and it’s been great both times.

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I have fished the Missouri River in Oct. just down river from Helena and had an awesome time from shore.
Them's some big ass RBs and Browns in that river.
I don't know anything about who to hire to guide ya.
O'ya there are walleye that will make ya shit yerself. So take some spin gear and some perch raps to cast as it gets dark.
 
Mid October is also known as "winter" in Montana, so you have that to deal with. Two days guided? I'd float the Missouri or do another day on the Land of Giants. Those should get your streamer streak on.
 
Salmo_g said:
Mid October is also known as "winter" in Montana,
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True. 4 distinct Montana seasons: Almost winter, winter, still winter, road construction . . . almost winter being the entire month of September.
 
Now, Jim said “road construction” was a season. It’s important to note on occasion you may have to stop for construction flag men in Montan. You may wait ten minutes or 25+ minutes before you are released to continue driving. You may or may not see any of the reported construction as you drive past the flagman for traffic in the opposite direction. I think it was a “make work” project.
 
I’d definitely prefer winter over road construction season…we’re going the 3rd weekend in Oct and could be anywhere from 60* and sunny to a blizzard. From what I’ve read, and you all have confirmed it the Mo is the way to go, especially since it’s a bit lower elevation and “could” be a bit warmer.

Thanks all…
 
You are almost correct about the weather. Snow, rain, cold, wind, blizzard, and warm, sunny weather all in the same hour.

Browns running up the rivers.

Look into middle or upper Blackfoot river too.

The folks at The Merc should be able to hook you up with a guide...
 
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Went last year in mid October. We had cancellations on certain waters (Big Hole being one) due to low water flow/ etc. yes it’s cold at that time of the year. Went upper Bitteroot above Darby. Great fishing but damn cold in am and early pm. Also did upper beaverhead river and froze our ass off until about 12pm. This was mid October 2023. Now going mid September this year. Hoping waterflows are better.
 
FYI, this will be the 2nd year of a 3 year approach to mitigate brown trout declines on the Big Hole. From Dickie Bridge (FAS up stream from Wise River) downstream to the confluence with the Jefferson the Big Hole closes on September 30th. So no fishing on the best part of the river in October.
 
I had an absolutely great day on the Madison below Ennis in October some years ago. The canyon section from Norris down is pretty wind shadowed, and there's monster browns in there. Just another point.
 
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